Although Bravo portrays the ladies' departure as a friendly parting, Barshop told ABC News the decision was made as a result of the ongoing fighting amongst cast members.

Zarin doesn't deny the tension, but puts some of the blame on Bravo executives, saying, "I believe the format of the show encourages that. And even if someone doesn't say to you, you have to fight or whatever, you feel like you're supposed to."

She adds, "It's a toxic environment. It took me months to come down from it."

She has revealed that the pressure the show put on her Russell's struggling marriage ultimately led to his suicide last month.

When asked what advice she could give Armstrong, Zarin replied: "Honestly, I wouldn't talk to the press or anyone for six months to a year. I would buckle down with my family and I probably wouldn't come back to the show. It hasn't been good to her."